Monday, 17 October 2011

Bringing up Baby: memories Peek-a-boo

His latest trick: Atilla initiates a "peek-a-boo" game. He fumbles with an opaque object, such as a plastic lid from a take-away container. He hides his eyes and face. He quickly moves it away from his face and his eyes are staring into yours. He waits expectantly.

"Peek-a-boo!" the audience says.

He shrieks with joy. He hides his eyes and face with the lid. He quickly moves it away from his face.

"Peek-a-boo!"

Ad nauseum.

Gradually his movements are less precise. Sometimes the lid wanders over his head, but he still makes the quick removal, so the game continues.

He is not much tolerant of variations - no taking turns with the lid, and not the audience hiding.